The NFU has launched a survey to ascertain how much water UK farmers use and discover what they are doing to conserve water. The survey, which takes place every five years, comes at a particularly apt time, as the latest report on UK groundwater and rivers revealed that, although aquifers are generally recharging satisfactorily after the spring drought, the levels of many rivers throughout the UK are extremely low.

The Environment Agency said earlier in the week that ground water is still being pumped into some rivers to boost levels and protect wildlife, and that a dry autumn and winter could yet have disastrous effects for farmers and wildlife.

As such the union is asking its members how much water they use, what they do to conserve it themselves, and how they think climate change will affect resources. 

The NFU said its survey has come at an appropriate time as three dry winters and the driest spring on record means the survey will be particularly relevant and useful in the union’s lobbying work.

In a statement, the NFU said, "It is hoped that survey results can be used to highlight what is being done by British farmers to keep rivers and streams flowing, to show how much water they use and expose any hopes or fears they have towards future water security."